Press Release
U.S. EDA Invests $2 Million to Boost Job Creation in Sioux City, Iowa
August 22, 2011
Contact: John Atwood, (202) 482-4085
U.S. Senator Harkin Applauds Federal Efforts to Accelerate Local Job Growth
WASHINGTON - Acting U.S. Commerce Secretary Dr. Rebecca Blank today announced a $2 million Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to Sioux City, Iowa, to help create a new state-of-the-art, technology-driven meat processing facility at the former John Morrell processing site. The project is expected to create up to 200 jobs and generate $10 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.
"The Obama administration is committed to providing communities with the resources they need to foster job creation and business growth," Blank said. "This EDA grant will help bring high-quality jobs and economic growth to the region by advancing the food processing sector in Sioux City."
U.S. Senator Harkin said, "The impact of the Morrell plant closure and the loss of some 1,450 jobs was felt immediately throughout the Sioux City area. Redeveloping the former plant will bring urgently-needed jobs to this area, giving Sioux City the economic boost it needs to continue its recovery. I commend EDA for their attention to this matter and congratulate Sioux City for their hard work and persistence in rebuilding after this closure." The former John Morrell processing site will be redeveloped to accommodate the new 65,000 sq. ft. Global Foods Processing, Inc., production facility. EDA funding will support demolition of existing buildings; improvements to access road, sewer and utility infrastructure; and the construction of a cold storage facility.
In March, EDA provided a $40,000 grant to Sioux City to support the development of a local economic planning strategy following the Morrell closure.
About the U.S. Economic Development Administration:
The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation's regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA makes investments in economically distressed communities in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.